Microbiologist II

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

MHM Solutions, a Centurion Health company, is proud to be the provider of healthcare staffing solutions to state agencies within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  We are currently seeking a full time Microbiologist II to join our team at the Department of Laboratories– Exton office located in Exton, Pennsylvania. This position is under the direct supervision of Advance Molecular Detection (AMD) Coordinator. The candidate communicates and collaborates regularly with the Supervisor, Division Director, and other laboratory team members.

The Microbiologist 2 specific duties are as follows:

• Support the AMD Coordinator in the implementation of new/advanced molecular technologies, such as high throughput liquid handlers, sequencers or PCR platforms.
• Provide technical assistance regarding new sequencing platform search, review, optimization, and validation.
• Perform whole genome sequencing (WGS) on pathogenic bacteria, virus and fungal organisms. It includes wet lab genomic library preparation, sequencing and QC/troubleshooting the process. It also includes dry lab sequence analysis, cluster detection and communication with Bioinformatician for further analysis.
• Perform nucleic acid extraction of clinical isolates for use in various molecular testing procedures such as real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the qualitative detection of infectious bacterial or viral pathogens. Analyze and interpret results.
• Assist with isolation and identification of clinically significant infectious bacterial species by both conventional and molecular techniques. 
• Use laboratory information management system (LIMS) to accession specimens, manage the samples through the testing processes, and report the laboratory testing results to ensure timely reporting of laboratory result to laboratory clients and public health partners.
• Participate in proficiency testing to ensure and maintain high quality standards of testing for molecular detection of different viruses and typing and subtyping to ensure compliance with CLIA regulations.
• Perform quality control checks on equipment, reagents, controls, and procedures to ensure the reliability of test results and protect the health of the public.
• Follow Bureau Quality Control and Quality Assurance Policies to ensure accurate results and outstanding customer service.
• Provide technical consultation and training on technical matters for new laboratory employees, public health agencies, students, and PA clinical microbiology laboratories to ensure their understanding of virology testing and surveillance.
• Prepare, package and ship outsource tests ensure all referral testing is performed.
• Provide customer service via telephone to submitting agencies by providing timely laboratory results and laboratory status update that aid in the decisions about diagnosis, effective treatments, and control efforts.
• Provide technical support to submitting agencies about specimen collections and Laboratory testing procedures to ensure the proper collection of the specimens in facilities and Public Health Local laboratories.
• Engage in educational activities aimed to increase technical knowledge and skills through literature searches and attendance at conferences. Shares with colleagues the information gained from external training opportunities to ensure that all staff has current up-to-date information.
• Adheres to safety policies as described in the Bureau of Laboratories Policy Manual, Chemical Hygiene Plan, and Bloodborne Pathogens Plan to ensure personal safety and the safety of others within the Bureau.

ROLE DESCRIPTION : This is advanced professional work in the field of microbiology in a base laboratory or mobile laboratory setting. An employee in this job uses advanced microbiological and biomedical laboratory techniques in the examination of samples and specimens and may direct the work activities of a small group of professional and technical staff performing microbiological and biomedical laboratory work. Work includes the development and implementation of new methods and techniques. Work is differentiated from the lower level by the independent responsibility for conducting research to develop and modify testing methods and procedures and performing advanced microbiological analysis through the use of advanced testing procedures and equipment. Work is performed independently but is subject to periodic review by a supervisor through documentation reviews, results of quality control samples, written reports and direct observation.

Qualifications:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• On year of profession laboratory work experience in microbiology, and a bachelor's degree that includes 20 credits in microbiology, cellular biology, molecular biology or bacteriology and 12 credits in chemistry or biochemistry.
• Or A graduate degree in microbiology.
• Certain positions will require a possession of a valid Pennsylvania drivers license.
• Certain positions will require the successful completion of a background risk assessment check. 
• Experience with sequencing a must.
• Advance Molecular Detection is required.

Shift: 40 hours a week – Monday - Friday 8-4:30